Happy Birthday to me!
Once again Jon did a fabulous job of finding me the perfect birthday gift. Since moving into our new place I haven't had a designated sewing area and I am eager to finish some projects. I've been looking for an antique sewing table for quite some time without much luck… they've either been too large, in terrible shape, too expensive or all of the above. Jon happened to find this beauty at a church tag sale; it just needs a little TLC.

The table is a nice compact size and the top lies flat when closed, but it opens up to reveal a generous workspace. I am curious to know how old this piece is, any idea?



Oddly enough, the attached sewing machine is in remarkably better shape than the actual table and came with several accessories. I've already purchased some stripper and a sander so that I can refinish the wood on my next sunny day off.

Hanging Ballband Dishcloth
Yarn: Peaches & Creme 100% Cotton - White (1)
Lion Cotton - Black (153)
Needles: Size 7 straight
Modifications: Added 3" i-cord to form a loop for hanging.
(Pattern featured in the book Mason-Dixon Knitting)

Paper or Plastic? Cotton!
Tonight I went to a sewing class at the local fabric shop. We made environmentally friendly shopping bags that fold into themselves for easy storage. The bags are much sturdier than those for sale at supermarkets.

I chose to sew a floral fabric as the lining. My sewing skills are improving and these bags will make great holiday gifts.






The bags fold into themselves because of the large outside pocket. Folded, they conveniently fit into a glove compartment or handbag.

Cotton Baby Hats
Yarn: Cotton Ease (110 Lake) and Peaches & Creme (89 Camel)
Needles: Size 7 straight and dpn
(Pattern by Jennifer L. Jones from Stitch n' Bitch)

My First Quilt - a work in progress
It appears as though I have successfully completed two rows of my first quilt. I've had a great time working on this project and I've really learned a lot about sewing. I'm pleased with my fabric selection, the squares seem to be complementing each other quite nicely. So far, so good.

Silkscreen
Today I assumed the role of "lovely assistant" and helped Jon with his silk screening project. He is making some great t-shirts for his friends.

Preparation
While several family members and close friends are busy preparing their nurseries, I’ve been busy preparing my sewing area. Perhaps the recent frogging of a pair of socks and beret are to blame for my lack of knitting mojo. That, coupled with four babies just around the corner, and I don’t know if I have it in me to knit fast enough! I’ve been eager to get better acquainted with my sewing machine – the time is now!

I’ve decided to make eight Simple Bibs from Amy Karol’s book, “Bend-The-Rules Sewing”. There are some inspiring patterns in this book, and it isn’t intimidating. I’ve selected some fabrics that I hope will match the personalities of the mothers and fathers to-be.

Tonight I am taking my first sewing lesson. The tips acquired from hands-on learning are so valuable to me. I’ve never had much interest in making quilts, but my first project is a lap quilt and I’m very excited. I’ve selected three fabrics for the project, two of which are batiks.
Though I’ve been a professional graphic designer for many years, selecting fabrics is a whole new world. Colors, patterns and textures that I once thought would compliment each other suddenly don’t, and vise versa. It is fascinating!

Snowboarding at Sugarbush
Jon and I went snowboarding this morning at Mt. Ellen. The snow was really great! I love my new board, a Burton Feelgood 149.

Unfortunately the camera batteries died before I could get any pictures of Jon (and he's much more exciting to watch than me!)

GOOD TIMES!

"The Way I Am"

This song by Ingrid Michaelson is one of the best I've heard in a while. I think the video compliments it perfectly. Enjoy!
(Directed by Autumn de Wilde.)

Montego Bay Scarf (for Auntie L)
Yarn: Handmaiden Sea Silk - Ebony
Needles: Size 9 straight
Modifications: Larger needles and less fringe. I used strands of three for the fringe.
(Pattern featured in the Summer 2007 issue of Interweave Knits)